Dozens of Bangladeshis need aid after fire

Dozens of Bangladeshi workers have been left without basic necessities after a fire, the Maldivian Red Crescent said Sunday as it appealed for public donations.

The fire, at a housing ministry labour quarter, was extinguished shortly after it was reported around 3am Saturday.

The expatriates who were asleep inside the building were taken to the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital. They escaped without serious injuries but suffered from heavy smoke inhalation, the MNDF’s fire and rescue service said.

The Malé branch of the MRC wants to provide the 55 workers with clothing, bedding and toiletries.

“We tried to cover the basic necessities,” the MRC’s Mohamed Nimal told the Maldives Independent. “The employers have provided accommodation and we are trying to cover clothing and toiletries,” he said.

The items would be handed over on September 18, a day after the collection closes.

“We will hand it over when there is enough for everyone. There hasn’t been a huge response from the public yet, but it is getting more attention,” he said.

The workers lost their belongings and money in the fire. The MRC has provided them with support.

“A team of seven volunteers supported them at first. Now we’ve given them our numbers so they can call us,” Nimal said.